Houlton girls talented

The Lady Shires are blending a strong sophomore core with a trio of senior leaders in hopes of a playoff bid come October.
A year ago, the Lady Shires started five freshmen (this year’s sophomore class) and managed a 9-5-1 record and sixth-place seeding in the Eastern Maine Tournament. Coach Tweedie knew that having such a young squad would be difficult to advance deep in the playoffs.
    “Now that we’re a year older and bringing back many of the same key parts, a similar record this season would be a disappointment,” Tweedie added. “We really would like to go in as a top four team and win at least two games in the playoffs.”
To hit their aim, the Lady Shires’ three seniors — Amanda Fogarty, Makala Folsom and Tara Beals — will have to lead by example for what is still a young squad of talented players.
Fogarty, according to her coach, is a tremendous scorer.
“She will face double and triple teams all season,” Tweedie added.
“Makala has really worked hard to improve her game and is now one of the stronger backs in Aroostook County,” he said.
This season, Beals will be the anchor controlling the midfield and dictating the pace of play.
However, missing from the Lady Shires will be senior Abby Kinens, who has transferred to Hebron Academy.
“We lost a tremendous goal scorer in Abby,” said Tweedie. “As much as we will miss Abby’s talent and leadership.”
Tweedie noted he had two dynamic front players in Fogarty and Alana Pratt.
“I fully expect each of them to finish the season with 15 or more goals,” he said.
Since Fogarty has been keeping that pace over the years, the surprise will be Pratt stepping up as goal scorer.
“Alana didn’t score a goal in her freshman year,” Tweedie noted. “I’m sure 15 goals seems like a huge jump, but she has really come on like crazy this summer. I bet she scored 20 goals in our summer scrimmages and tournaments. Her hard work has really paid off and I’m sure everyone will know her name after this fall.”
Tweedie has a large group of junior players — Marina Cameron, Mikaelah Tracy, Tori Hanson, Sarah Bouchard, Rebekah Holmes, Ally Carmichael, Emily Hanson and Maddi Good — with several key contributors such as goalie Cameron.
“Marina has garnered compliments from opposing coaches all summer,” said Tweedie. “She does a good job of controlling the penalty area and communicating with our defensive players. I am expecting good things from all of these girls.”
The sophomores are Jessy Dickison, Abby Deveau, Bre Longstaff, Tanika Toby, Samantha Keegan and Pratt.
“They have all come such a long way from their first varsity game last year,” Tweedie said. “The sky is the limit for this group. I am thrilled every time I think about how far they’ve come and the fact that I have them two more years after this one.”
Rounding out the lineup are freshmen Madeline Anderson and Emily Mooers.
“They both have worked hard and should develop into good contributors at the varsity level,” Tweedie said.
Also new to the squad this season is assistant Matt McCluskey, who joins the coaching staff with Tweedie and Katie Wright.
The Houlton coaches are expecting that the team continues to progress and develop into a better team as the playoffs approach.
“If we stay healthy and continue to work hard, this team should be a group to reckon with in the postseason,” Tweedie added.